She then posted a second status, featuring the #illridewithyou hashtag. Within hours it had gone viral on social media, as Twitter users from around the country offered to ride public transport with Muslims who feel intimidated by anti-Islamic sentiment.

"It is hard to feel hope when you feel helpless. #illridewithyou is a small act, but might be important for someone one day," Ms Kum told Fairfax Media.

"My thoughts are with those involved, who will be affected for so long to come, and those uninvolved, who are being blamed none the less."

Ms Jacobs wrote on her personal Facebook page that she was "completely overwhelmed" by the response.

"Mine was a very brief encounter - a small gesture to a stranger in response to the sadness that I felt that someone would ever feel unsafe or unwelcome because of their beliefs," she wrote.

"I'm not the story and I'm not a hero. Those who started the‪#‎illridewithyou‬ movement are incredibly inspiring and anyone who joins it is creating a path to peace for all of us."

The campaign was widely praised on social media. "Today goes to show, Australians will always come together and support one another," one Twitter user wrote.

Several politicians, media personalities and sports stars also showed their support for the campaign.